An Integral part of MantraNourish is our understanding around the importance of the first meal of our day. What we break our fast with can determine what the rest of the day may be like metabolically. If we consume a meal high in sugars/processed foods, our body may be left in a stressed state trying to regulate its blood sugar the rest of the day. As our blood glucose rises our cortisol levels increase to
Trying to eat a meal more grounded in protein, vegetables and fat can be much more stabilizing and nourishing. This will allow your body to heal more and have more energy because it is not fighting to avoid post sugar fallout or hitting “the wall”.
When you consume a meal, particularly one high in sugars or processed carbohydrates, your blood glucose levels rise rapidly. In response, your pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream to use for energy or store as glycogen in the liver and muscles. This process is crucial for maintaining balanced blood sugar levels.
However, when you consume a meal high in refined sugars and processed foods, the rapid spike in blood glucose can cause an overproduction of insulin. This can lead to a quick drop in blood sugar levels, a phenomenon known as "reactive hypoglycemia." This drop can leave you feeling tired, irritable, and craving more sugar to boost your energy, perpetuating a cycle of blood sugar instability.
Cortisol, often called the "stress hormone," is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a significant role in managing stress, but it also has important metabolic functions. One of its key roles is to increase blood glucose levels when they are low, providing your body with the energy it needs during times of stress or fasting.
When your blood sugar drops after a high-sugar meal, your body may respond by releasing cortisol to bring glucose levels back up. While this is a normal response, chronic spikes in cortisol due to poor dietary choices can lead to a stressed state, where your body is constantly working to stabilize blood sugar. Elevated cortisol levels over time can contribute to insulin resistance, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), and a range of other metabolic issues.
Starting your day with a meal rich in protein, healthy fats, and vegetables can stabilize blood sugar and avoid the sharp glucose spikes that lead to insulin and cortisol imbalances. Proteins and fats take longer to digest, leading to a slower, more sustained release of glucose into the bloodstream. This steadier supply of glucose means less insulin is required, and cortisol levels remain more balanced allowing you to have more consistent energy levels throughout the day. Overtime this reduces stress on the body leading to more stable mood and energy.